Question:
What are the benefits of distance education?
since you're obviously being controversial, what about your own book
Answer:
Most of the literature you'll read on distance education or nontraditional degree programs seem to stress the benefits of these methods for persons who otherwise have busy lifestyles, full-time jobs, and family commitments. These are legitimate factors, since most distance programs allow you to schedule your studies with a greater degree of flexibility than you can in traditional schools. However, there are numerous other advantages: You can often self- design your programs to meet your personal interests and professional needs, you can pursue your studies with more creativity than in a traditional classroom using resources in your own community, and you can use learning methods that often excel those traditional courses that focus on didactic lectures.
It's also important to realize what the benefits of distance education are *not*. Distance education is not any easier than traditional education (unless you enroll in a degree mill), nor will your studies be any less comprehensive. If you're looking to sluff your way to a degree, this isn't it. In fact, because you don't have professors kicking you in the butt in the classroom, distance education usually requires *more* motivation and energy than its traditional counterpart.
Included here for information only . . . I am the author of "Name It and Frame It? New Opportunities in Adult Education and How to Avoid Being Ripped Off by 'Christian' Degree Mills." However, you should be aware that "NIFI" deals *solely* with religious institutions and programs in religious studies, so if you are looking for something more general, this isn't it. If your prospective studies are focused in this area, e-mail me and I'll send you information on it, but otherwise, you're best bet is to read Marcie Thorson's book. (Incidentally, I get no commission or kickback on Marcie's book; it's simply the best book available in the field today.)
